Yes, I'm beating this Denon 3801 thing to death, but I'd like to know how it truly compares. I know the amp section is not great, but I'm just interested in the pre/pro since it uses the SHARC DSP technology. Taking this into account how does it compare with the big boys,

Lexicon
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B&K

How does this pre/pro stack up? Is the difference night and day, or does the pre/pro performance approach these units. I've seen great values in amplification such as:

I had a 3801 on loan for about 4 weeks before my B&K Ref 30 came in. In DD or DTS mode there was not a big difference, unless your speakers are very power hungry. But in two channel mode, I noticed a big difference. Especially handling analog signals. I have a SACD player it sounds much much better with the Ref 30 than it did with the 3801.

Both were used as just a pre-amp. I have B&K AMPS for my amplification. So I really cannot comment on the amp section of the 3801.

Yes the stereo is the only weakness this thing has. For me, it doesnt matter much because i have gotten to the point that i only listen to it in 5-channel stereo, which is incredible on this unit. In dts or dd i'd challenge anyone to find much of a weakness.
Brian